Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is one of the most magnificent Hindu temples in India. Built over 1,000 years ago by the great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I, it stands as a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Great Living Chola Temples.
Introduction
- Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Deity: Lord Shiva (Brihadeeswarar)
- Built By: Raja Raja Chola I
- Year of Construction: 1010 AD
- Architecture Style: Dravidian
- UNESCO Status: Part of the Great Living Chola Temples
- Specialty: One of the tallest temples in the world, featuring an unshadowed vimana (tower) and a massive Nandi (bull)
History of Brihadeeswarar Temple
The temple was constructed between 1003 AD – 1010 AD under the patronage of Raja Raja Chola I of the Chola dynasty. It was built to reflect the power and devotion of the Cholas towards Lord Shiva. The inscriptions on the temple walls provide detailed accounts of its construction and the riches of the empire.
Architectural Wonders
i) The Towering Vimana (Temple Tower)
- The temple has a 216 feet (66 meters) tall vimana (tower), making it one of the tallest temples in the world.
- Unlike other structures, the vimana does not cast a shadow at noon, which remains an unexplained mystery.
ii) The Monolithic Nandi (Sacred Bull)
- The temple houses a massive Nandi (sacred bull), measuring 16 feet long and 13 feet tall.
- It is carved from a single granite stone and weighs approximately 25 tons.
iii) The Mysterious Capstone
- At the top of the temple tower, there is a single granite block weighing 80 tons.
- It remains a mystery how this huge stone was placed at such a great height without modern machinery.
iv) No Binding Materials Used
- The temple was constructed using interlocking granite blocks, without the use of cement or binding material.
- It has withstood earthquakes, natural calamities, and over 1000 years of history.
Unique Features of Brihadeeswarar Temple
i) The Frescoes and Inscriptions
- The temple walls contain over 100 inscriptions, detailing the reign of Raja Raja Chola I and temple administration.
- The fresco paintings from the Chola period depict Lord Shiva in various forms.
ii) The Murals and Sculptures
- The temple features 108 dance postures of Bharatanatyam carved in stone.
- The sculptures depict stories from Shiva Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
iii) The Echoing Sanctum
- The garbhagriha (sanctum) of the temple is designed in such a way that the sound waves resonate, amplifying the vibrations of Vedic chants.
Religious and Cultural Significance
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Brihadeeswarar (Big Shiva).
- It has been a major Shaivite pilgrimage center for centuries.
- The temple hosts the annual Natyanjali Dance Festival, where classical dancers perform in honor of Lord Shiva.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Festivals
i) Maha Shivaratri
- Grand celebrations with Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, and Bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva.
ii) Kumbhabhishekam
- This sacred consecration ritual happens once every 12 years, attracting thousands of devotees.
iii) Navaratri & Margazhi Festival
- Devotional music and dance performances take place in the temple premises.
Scientific and Architectural Mysteries
i) Shadowless Vimana
- The 216 ft tall vimana does not cast a shadow at noon, an engineering marvel that remains unexplained.
ii) Floating Capstone
- The 80-ton capstone was believed to be lifted using a ramp system, spanning over 6 kilometers.
iii) Earthquake Resistance
- The temple has survived several natural calamities due to its granite interlocking system.
How to Reach Brihadeeswarar Temple?
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ), 55 km away.
By Train:
- The closest railway station is Thanjavur Railway Station, well connected to major cities.
By Road:
- Thanjavur has good road connectivity with Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore.
Brihadeeswarar Temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of divine power, art, and scientific genius. The temple’s grand architecture, spiritual significance, and mysterious phenomena make it a must-visit for devotees, historians, and architecture enthusiasts.
FAQs About Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
1. What is Brihadeeswarar Temple famous for?
Brihadeeswarar Temple is famous for its 216-feet tall vimana (temple tower), which does not cast a shadow at noon, its massive monolithic Nandi (bull), and its architectural brilliance that has stood for over 1,000 years.
2. Who built Brihadeeswarar Temple?
The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD, during the peak of the Chola dynasty.
3. Why is Brihadeeswarar Temple also called Peruvudaiyar Kovil?
In Tamil, “Peruvudaiyar Kovil” means “Great Lord’s Temple,” referring to Lord Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Brihadeeswarar (Big Shiva), hence the name.
4. What is the significance of the temple’s shadowless vimana?
The 216-feet vimana (tower) is designed in such a way that it does not cast a shadow at noon, a phenomenon that continues to amaze scientists and historians.
5. What is the temple’s architectural specialty?
- Granite Construction: Built entirely using interlocking granite blocks without binding materials.
- No Shadow: The temple tower never casts a shadow at noon.
- Massive Nandi: Weighing 25 tons, carved from a single granite rock.
- Earthquake Resistant: Despite being over 1,000 years old, it has survived natural disasters.
6. What is unique about the Nandi (sacred bull) in the temple?
- The Nandi statue is one of the largest in India, measuring 16 feet long and 13 feet high.
- It is carved from a single granite stone and weighs 25 tons.
7. How was the 80-ton capstone placed on top of the temple?
Historians believe that a 6 km long inclined ramp was built to roll the massive 80-ton capstone to the top of the temple using elephants and pulleys.
8. Is Brihadeeswarar Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, recognized by UNESCO for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance.
9. Which deity is worshipped in Brihadeeswarar Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Brihadeeswarar or Peruvudaiyar.
10. What are the main festivals celebrated in the temple?
- Maha Shivaratri – A grand celebration with special pujas and abhishekam.
- Navaratri & Margazhi Festival – Classical dance and music performances.
- Kumbhabhishekam – A sacred temple purification ceremony held every 12 years.
11. Is there an entry fee for the temple?
No, entry to the temple is free for all devotees.
12. What are the Brihadeeswarar Temple
timings?
The temple is open from:
🕔 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🕔 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
13. How to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple?
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (55 km away).
- By Train: The closest railway station is Thanjavur Railway Station, well-connected to major cities.
- By Road: Thanjavur is easily accessible from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore.
14. Why is Brihadeeswarar Temple called the “Big Temple”?
Due to its massive size, towering vimana, and grand architecture, it is popularly known as the Big Temple.
15. What are some unexplained mysteries of Brihadeeswarar Temple?
- Shadowless Tower: The temple tower never casts a shadow at noon.
- Floating Capstone: The 80-ton capstone on top remains a mystery.
- No Binding Material: The entire temple is built with interlocking stones without cement.
- Earthquake Proof: Despite being over 1,000 years old, it remains structurally intact.
16. Are there any restrictions inside the temple?
- Footwear is not allowed inside the temple premises.
- Photography inside the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) is prohibited.
17. Is there a dress code for visiting the temple?
While there is no strict dress code, it is advisable to wear traditional attire (dhoti, saree, or salwar kameez) as a mark of respect.
18. Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
Yes, non-Hindus can visit the temple, but entry to the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) may be restricted.
19. How long does it take to explore the temple?
On average, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the temple premises completely.
20. What other attractions are near Brihadeeswarar Temple?
- Thanjavur Palace & Art Gallery (2 km)
- Saraswathi Mahal Library (2 km)
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple (70 km)
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram (35 km)
Conclusion
Brihadeeswarar Temple is not just a religious site but a marvel of Indian architecture and science. From its shadowless vimana to earthquake-resistant construction, it remains an unsolved mystery even in modern times.